Low Output Custombuckers

[Standard Magic]

What's the lowest output PAF style humbucker that you've ever played? Did you like it, what did it sound like?

I have a Custombucker in the neck that measures 6.2K. I like it, seems to have some clarity, downside is it's a little quiet but you just turn the amp up. It's unique so I'll keep it. Not sure if it's faulty or just underwound. Thoughts?

 

[Walnut's Nutwalls]

6.2k seems unusually low to me for a humbucker in general, and definitely for a Custombucker.

 

[LPR6]

I think my low output pups from Wildwood measure about 7.2 and the regular ones are about 7.9. I’ve never seen one that was 6.2.

 

[pulse.]

The ones that came with my R8 Musikhauss Herrmann were low wind and measure about 7.2.

 

[jb_abides]

CME-Spec "S" CustomBuckers, 7.2k.

 

[EdF_PA]

No low readings in my PAF-ish humbuckers.

2023 R7BB Custombuckers identical resistance



1971 LPC original T Tops

 

[FionaRodriguez]

Hello, everyone. I am new here. Can I ask a question?

 

[EdF_PA]

Hello, everyone. I am new here. Can I ask a question?

You just did.

 

[ReWind James]

Are you talking about output or DCR?

The CustomBuckers have heavily degaussed A3 magnets which makes their actual output lower than anything else commercially available. That's why they sound so different from the other Gibson pickups, even A3 models.

 

[Jared Brandon]

6.2k seems unusually low to me for a humbucker in general, and definitely for a Custombucker.

That isn't right. If you change your mind about keeping it, if you're the original owner, Gibson will send you a new correct one. The Underwound Custombuckers are designed to read out at around 7k-7.3k. The regular around 8k

 

[LeonC]

I think my low output pups from Wildwood measure about 7.2 and the regular ones are about 7.9. I’ve never seen one that was 6.2.

I've got those in three different guitars. Love 'em!

 

[Standard Magic]

That isn't right. If you change your mind about keeping it, if you're the original owner, Gibson will send you a new correct one. The Underwound Custombuckers are designed to read out at around 7k-7.3k. The regular around 8k

I've decided to keep them because they're unique. I don't mind the sound either.

 

[Standard Magic]

Are you talking about output or DCR?

The CustomBuckers have heavily degaussed A3 magnets which makes their actual output lower than anything else commercially available. That's why they sound so different from the other Gibson pickups, even A3 models.

Ohm reading on a multimeter.

Gibson seem to like putting weak magnets in the neck. Whilst I like my neck pickup I do favour A5/A4 magnets and that's something I might change.

 

[ReWind James]

Ohm reading on a multimeter.

Go with what Jared said, above, then. He's head of pickups for Gibson Custom.

Sounds like you have one with a problem.

 

[metropolis]

I'm a fan of Monty's over here in the UK, their standard PAF (which they partly built their reputation on) are 7.2k in the neck and 7.7k in the bridge. I really like them and find they're the lowest output humbuckers amongst my collection (other than the wonderful T-Top replica Jared made me before he moved to Gibson). More recently they've made an Underwound PAF which is 6.1k in the neck and 6.8k in the bridge which I would like to check out one day. The lack of volume doesn't bother me because I can compensate for that, I like the clarity of the high end, particularly on Les Pauls which I feel often need that help.

 

[MarcB]

Anyone had experience with any of the 8 bomb PAF clones ?

Dr. Nitro Lab | PAF pickup clone

Dr.Nitro Lab [8Bomb Custom]. Vintage PAF pickup clones, Relic Art.

www.8bombcustom.com

 

[jb_abides]

Wizz Layla/Fillmore ~7k

Cherry Burst (Layla/Fillmore Set) | wizz-pickups

The 'Fillmore Set' is the set of P.A.F. Pickups currently residing in Duane Allman's 1959 Gibson Les Paul Standard Cherry Burst, although it is essentially a tale of two guitars as the history of those pickups goes back a little farther than the Cherry Burst.Serial Number 7 3312 belonged to the...

www.wizz-pickups.net

 

[ToneHenge]

Is there a reason why some of the Custom Buckers I have played sound weak and thin almost? The set I had in my 2013 R9 were really good, but some of the ones I have played lately lack body or fullness. I don't know how to describe it because they don't sound terrible per se, but I am curious if it is whether because low output has anything to do with it.

 

[ReWind James]

Is there a reason why some of the Custom Buckers I have played sound weak and thin almost? The set I had in my 2013 R9 were really good, but some of the ones I have played lately lack body or fullness. I don't know how to describe it because they don't sound terrible per se, but I am curious if it is whether because low output has anything to do with it.

The heavily degaussed magnets are what make CustomBuckers sound thin. They aren't really "bright" because the upper treble rolls away, too, but so does the low end so they come across as thin and can sound brighter than most other offerings in some rigs.

Now, that said, they are not all the same.

I've had CustomBuckers in my hand that sound thin and bright at the same time as others that actually sound dark. IME, about 80% of them are the "thin and weak" type, which I think is the idea. There are manufacturing differences among them, though, and it's not related to DCR. So, you can't tell from just looking at them or measuring them.

I'm sure Jared will elaborate on that more, if he wants to.

 

[MarcB]

Gain staging x2 is essential for maximum effectiveness of any pickup. ️